Drone warfare in Ukraine: training drone operators, successful long-range strikes, and Russia's cheap but deadly innovations
Three key stories of the week: Jan. 22 - Jan. 28, 2025
In this edition of Drone Warfare in Ukraine, we delve into some amazing stories about the success of Ukraine’s drone industry—not just in drone production but also in the training of UAV operators. By leveraging cutting-edge technological tools and maintaining a close connection to battlefield experiences, Ukraine’s Drone Fight Club is continuously refining its training process. The effectiveness of Ukraine's drone strikes on Russia’s strategic targets speaks for itself, and I’ve included several firsthand accounts detailing the recent attack on the Kremniy El microelectronics plant. Meanwhile, Russia is also keeping pace, developing new versions of inexpensive UAVs capable of targeting a variety of objectives.
I’ve also included additional short stories and drone-related updates. Honestly, there are so many that each week it’s a challenge to decide what to include and what to leave out. Enjoy this week’s curation!
War in the Sky: How the Ukrainian Drone Fight Club Trains Future UAV Operators (By Forbes BrandVoice Ukraine. Available in Ukrainian).
The modern battlefield is oversaturated with drones, but their numbers alone do not guarantee success. The key is in the quality of crew training and the intelligent use of technology. A successful drone mission is one where the infantry doesn’t fire a single shot, as all tasks are completed by unmanned aviation.
The Drone Fight Club training and research center was established at the onset of the full-scale invasion. It all began with a group of dedicated patriots, engineers, and enthusiasts. Today, its staff includes instructors and engineers with extensive experience in the development of drones. Most importantly, they actively serve as UAV operators on the frontlines of combat.
To date, the training center has prepared over 3,000 UAV operators for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the Border Guard Service, the National Police, and other branches and special units of Ukraine's defense forces. DFC has developed its training program based on its own combat experience, enriched by the exchange of knowledge with the best pilots from the defense forces.
Drone Fight Club trains operators and commanders in a comprehensive approach to using various types of drones, taking economic feasibility into account.
Typical kamikaze drones cost $500–700 per unit, while an enemy tank or air defense system costs millions.
However, using these drones to target infantry is inefficient, as there are more cost-effective, reusable solutions. On average, a bomber drone will complete 60 flights during its lifetime, and striking a single target with such a drone will cost $80–150, depending on the operator’s skill.
The realization of the need to teach people how to operate reliable combat drones led DFC to search for a manufacturing partner and they found it in PG Robotics. DFC became involved in the development of the user-friendly, reusable tactical bomber Lucky Strike, contributing to its ideology and working as combat testers. By the summer of 2023, these drones were deployed to the frontlines with DFC instructors, and by the fall, the team had a fully adapted training course specifically for this model.
The Ukrainian Fight Drone Simulator is a virtual military trainer that accurately models the real physics of drones and environmental factors. It allows users to select a specific drone model with its real characteristics and learn how to navigate the terrain. The simulator takes into account nuances such as the interaction with the Earth's magnetic fields, which can affect the compass, or wind strength, which can slow down the drone. Additionally, it features functions for training accuracy, calculating impact zones, and other critical aspects. The DFC team continuously improves the simulator, adapting it to modern challenges.
DFC faced new challenges at the beginning of this year when the enemy adapted, and operating "from the ground" became too dangerous. The team had to propose the development and addition of a special antenna complex to the ground station of the UAV, which can be placed separately. As a result, the team can now operate from bunkers, significantly improving their safety.
Context: Since the start of the full-scale invasion, dozens of private UAV pilot training centers have emerged in Ukraine, but there was no unified system regulating their activities. In October 2024, the government adopted a resolution to initiate the certification of private UAV schools. Two months later, the Ministry of Defense issued 33 such certifications, including to Global Drone Academy and KRUK.
There are various courses available—for civilians and military personnel, for individuals with or without prior experience, and for operating different types of drones (such as quadcopters and fixed-wing drones), as well as electronic warfare. The cost of these courses ranges from 50 to 350 USD, with free options available for military personnel.
"This game can be played by two." How Ukrainian drones hit a sore spot in Russia's ballistic missile systems (Yelyzaveta Drabkina for NV. Available in Ukrainian; + other sources)